“For us, being picked eighth is probably accurate as far as what everybody perceives us in the league,” said Lipscomb head coach Jeff Forehand. “With what we’ve done in the last couple of years and where that puts us, I would say that’s pretty accurate.

“I look for our guys to hopefully see that and that give them some motivation to want to do more and to want to be better than that. Even though when you look at the poll every coach is going to tell you that it doesn’t mean anything and everybody in our league is a good team and could win the league.”

FGCU and Mercer tied atop the poll by the league’s skippers as the preseason favorite. USC Upstate claimed third place in the list ahead of Kennesaw State and North Florida. Stetson was predicted to finish sixth ahead of ETSU in seventh.

The Bisons were tabbed to finish ahead of Jacksonville and A-Sun newcomer Northern Kentucky, who rounded out the poll

“Every team in this league is a very competitive Division I baseball team. When you show up each and every weekend it’s a competitive weekend every time that anything can happen. Baseball is an interesting game. Every team has to show up and good things aren’t going to happen because everyone is so competitive.”

Lipscomb also added a member to the coaching staff this week as former player and long-time volunteer assistant James Ogden rejoined the Bison program.

“As we had a chance to put a new coach in position this is a chance to plug somebody back in that’s been part of our program for six years is exciting for me,” said Forehand. “I’m excited that James is back. He’s going to bring great deal of information and knowledge to the pitching staff. “

“He’s got a passion and a desire to win and a desire for young people and to see them get better. I think everybody here is excited to see that James is back with us.”

The Bisons open the 2013 season on Feb. 15 hosting SIUE at Dugan Field. Season tickets are on sale now at http://www.BeHerdLU.com or by calling 615-966-4373.